Novak Djokovic will not compete at this week's ATP 500 event in Doha, withdrawing following a deep Australian Open run.
However, the veteran is enjoying another brilliant milestone that defines sustained excellence.
Novak Djokovic:
Mental strength is not a gift, it is something that you have to work very hard to develop. pic.twitter.com/Gp48fsZXV7
— Vala Afshar (@ValaAfshar) February 15, 2026
The 38-year-old is enjoying his 1000th consecutive week in the top-30, entering the group in July 2006 at 19 and never leaving! Nearly two decades later, Novak is among the world's best players and a contender for notable trophies.
Careers in tennis are often shaped by injuries, generational shifts and inevitable decline over years. Thus, maintaining top-30 status for 1000 straight weeks is a staggering testament to consistency and resilience.
It highlights Novak's extraordinary ability to remain relevant season after season and span two decades in the elite company. Ever since entering the top-30, Djokovic's place in the group has never been in doubt.
He faced a serious elbow injury in 2017 and stayed away from the court in the second part of the season. The legend left the top-20 in 2018 before finding his rhythm again and returning in glory with the Wimbledon crown.
Novak Djokovic, Athens 2025© Stream screenshot
Since then, maintaining his status in the top-30 has only been a formality. Over two decades after his first Major and Masters 1000 matches, Djokovic remains among the toughest players to beat on the most notable stage.
He has played in five consecutive Major semi-finals, including the Australian Open title clash a couple of weeks ago. Battling against multiple generations of challengers, Novak has turned longevity into an art form.
His most recent achievement confirms that. His adaptability, physical preparation, mental resilience and desire to compete long after achieving everything our sport has to offer have allowed the Serb to bridge eras while maintaining elite standards.
One thousand straight weeks in a selected group is more than a stat. It represents a timeline of dominance, recovery and relentless ambition. At nearly 39, Novak still firmly believes he can challenge the rivals from the top.
His Australian Open campaign confirms that and fuels his ambition to extend his career and compete for a few more years.
